I have the M22s and my son has the M3s and we both like them a lot. (We both mostly play rock, blues; with me also using them for jazz and classical.) They are a very neutral/clear speaker.

I also think you have it exactly right on their midddle groud status - they are very good quality, but not quite high end, and their price point matches that; although in my opinion you gat a lot more sound for the little bit extra you pay for them.

Also, they have very good customer service. I was running mine as a 2.1 and my wife wanted to get me a center for a gift, she said their customer service was extremely helpful in helping her figure out which center to get (the smallest one, they didn't try to upsell her).

They have some really good competition and they aren't the bang for the buck they use to be. Even with there price points they usually fall middle of the pack even to less expensive speakers. They compete well with Polk, EMP, Aperion Intimus, Infinity and JBLs lower line. They are not Paradigm Studio competion though, even though Axiom leads people to believe that their speakers can't be beat by just about any price point.

IMO their subwoofers are no match for most of the ID brands like SVS, HSU, Rythmik, eD, Epik. The EP600 ($1800) is outperformed in just about every way by SVS and HSUs lower offerings at way less. SVS's PB12 NSD kills the EP600 under 40hrz.

I have an Outlaw LFM-1plus. I'm not looking to replace that any time soon. But I'm looking at the M60s with Qs8 surrounds and the VP150 center channel. Here's the thing. That right there that's a 2+ grand system just for the Axiom's with out a sub. But if I wanted to make them all piano black like some of their competitors. We're looking at a ton of money ($900+ more) I think this is what people forget to factor in. The factory finish of these speakers seems very stock and cheap, with out any customization. I'll probably go with the vinyl finish over the stock. It's only $115 for the whole set, matches the Outlaw, and looks nicer if I do decide to purchase. I got to say though I'm leaning strongly toward them. So basically what I am asking is this actually the best speaker set you can get for 2 grand. If not I would love suggestions.

VP150 sucks IMO. I had one for 3yrs, it was ok at first but the off axis performance was really bad, which means if you sit off to the sides and not dead center its hard to understand the voices. It also sounds "tinny" or hollow sounding, it has zero bass to it.

I have an Outlaw LFM-1plus. I'm not looking to replace that any time soon. But I'm looking at the M60s with Qs8 surrounds and the VP150 center channel. Here's the thing. That right there that's a 2+ grand system just for the Axiom's with out a sub. But if I wanted to make them all piano black like some of their competitors. We're looking at a ton of money ($900+ more) I think this is what people forget to factor in. The factory finish of these speakers seems very stock and cheap, with out any customization. I'll probably go with the vinyl finish over the stock. It's only $115 for the whole set, matches the Outlaw, and looks nicer if I do decide to purchase. I got to say though I'm leaning strongly toward them. So basically what I am asking is this actually the best speaker set you can get for 2 grand. If not I would love suggestions.

I have an Outlaw LFM-1plus. I'm not looking to replace that any time soon. But I'm looking at the M60s with Qs8 surrounds and the VP150 center channel. Here's the thing. That right there that's a 2+ grand system just for the Axiom's with out a sub. But if I wanted to make them all piano black like some of their competitors. We're looking at a ton of money ($900+ more) I think this is what people forget to factor in. The factory finish of these speakers seems very stock and cheap, with out any customization. I'll probably go with the vinyl finish over the stock. It's only $115 for the whole set, matches the Outlaw, and looks nicer if I do decide to purchase. I got to say though I'm leaning strongly toward them. So basically what I am asking is this actually the best speaker set you can get for 2 grand. If not I would love suggestions.

Theres alot of competitors that offer nicer looking speakers at a cheaper price that still outperform the Axioms.

I have Axiom and Arx speakers, both have similar basic finishes. The Arx models are much cheaper than the Axioms, they have better woofers (XBL2 splitgap) and have better braced cabinets.

EMP offers nice finishes like Red Burl or Black Ash. The EMP E55Ti is $795 vs the Axiom M60 at $1040 and they are both very similar, both were in a Blind Shootout and neither outpeformed the other.

Axiom hasn't evolved like their competition has, they stand idle while the other brands continue to improve as much as they can. Axiom just uses the excuse that at $1500 for the M80 for example that is the best anyone can do and speakers that cost more than that are just improving the looks.

VP150 sucks IMO. I had one for 3yrs, it was ok at first but the off axis performance was really bad, which means if you sit off to the sides and not dead center its hard to understand the voices. It also sounds "tinny" or hollow sounding, it has zero bass to it.

I was also thinking of spending a little extra on the Axiom M80's and a VP180 center with the Qs8 as the surrounds. It seems like that would be a pretty powerful set up. Could something beat this because total that would cost a little less than $2,700 with the 5% discount they're offering. Aperion was actually another brand I was thinking about. It's funny you had posted that because I was just about to ask about the virus forte's too.

If your leaning toward Axiom then go for it, but if you decide you don't like them, shipping the M80s and VP180 back is going to cost alot of money $200-300 possibly, not 100% sure but I'm sure Axiom could give you an estimate. Aperion doesn't charge you anything to ship back, I would take the Verus Fortes over the M60s or the Verus Grande over the M80s.

I was also thinking of spending a little extra on the Axiom M80's and a VP180 center with the Qs8 as the surrounds. It seems like that would be a pretty powerful set up. Could something beat this because total that would cost a little less than $2,700 with the 5% discount they're offering. Aperion was actually another brand I was thinking about. It's funny you had posted that because I was just about to ask about the virus forte's too.

What will you be using to drive them? The M80s are 4ohm and dip below that. Your run of the mill AVR won't cut it.

I like mine. M60s, vp100, qs8, vp160 on order. Running w b&k 5125 through a yamaha rx a3000 receiver. Subs are svs pb13 and hsu vtf2 mk4. Very clear, a little bright with internal amp, much more subdued with the b&k.

A wise man once said if it sounds like a broken record there is a motive behind the message.

Some of the criticisms seem a bit harsh. I've never performed an A/B comparison to any of the alternatives mentioned*, but I can say that I get a smile on my face every time I listen to music on my M22s. Since I've had them for two years, I think that's a strong recommendation. If the other are even better, then I can only say, holy sh*t!

* I have heard Polks, both bookshelfs and a sub. The bookshelfs were boring, not bad, but dull - very average. The sub sucked. The sub was a low-end model; I don't know what the bookshelfs were. But in my opinion if a speaker manufacturer is willing to put out such a bad product at the low end, they don't deserve the business at the higher end.

I'll also add that I agree that Axiom subs are not the best option, you get that flaver even on the Axiom forum. I have a Hsu and am very happy with it.

Are the m60s or m80s the same from 2004. I see it's labeled version 3. Are they improved in any way?

No, the V3 are newer. I have M80's, VP150 (VP180 wouldn't fit my ent cab) , QS8's, all V3, and an Epic sub powered by Pioneer Elite. No problem with the 4ohm/Elite combo. I took a chance ordering them and have been very pleased with their sound. IMHO they offer great bang for the buck. I did listen to a friends Aperion Verus Forte system but I like the Axioms better.

I purchased them because their sound blends in perfectly with my Paradigms. I only use them for surrounds, so I purchased M2s (side and rears) and M0s (for the front heights). Their unique mounting system for wall mounting is interesting. They fixed the mounting mechanism, it used to be too lose, but now it is VERY tight and cannot vibrate loose.

Late to this thread but just read through and saw that you were looking at around $2700 for the Axioms. For $100 more you can get the entire Verus Grand system from Aperion right now. $900 each for the towers, $700 for the center, and when you purchase those three they are running Jan special $300 off of the bookshelves or surrounds (normally $600). Total of $2800. And as mentioned earlier 30 day hone trial and they will pay return shipping if you aren't COMPLETELY satisfied. I have that setup and I'm extremely happy with it. Also customer service is exceptional.

I purchased them because their sound blends in perfectly with my Paradigms. I only use them for surrounds, so I purchased M2s (side and rears) and M0s (for the front heights). Their unique mounting system for wall mounting is interesting. They fixed the mounting mechanism, it used to be too lose, but now it is VERY tight and cannot vibrate loose.

Are you talking about the Paradigm cinema 90s? I could've sworn I read somewhere awhile back onthe paradigm thread that you were using them for surrounds

No subwoofer I've heard has been able to produce the bass I've experienced in the Corps!

Late to this thread but just read through and saw that you were looking at around $2700 for the Axioms. For $100 more you can get the entire Verus Grand system from Aperion right now. $900 each for the towers, $700 for the center, and when you purchase those three they are running Jan special $300 off of the bookshelves or surrounds (normally $600). Total of $2800. And as mentioned earlier 30 day hone trial and they will pay return shipping if you aren't COMPLETELY satisfied. I have that setup and I'm extremely happy with it. Also customer service is exceptional.

Good advise. Verus Grand would kill the Axioms IMO. Axioms are over priced, they are closer to Infinity Primus, lower end Kefs, and Polk RTi series. Verus is better built and designed.

Here in the last several months, i've done AB comparions with my old Axiom V2s and other speakers, like Arx, Boston A series. The Axioms are thin, weak sounding. I use to really like the Axioms but they kind of wore on me, especially the VP150, whichs has a very tinny and "empty" sound to it. Its as if all the center dialog is coming from the L/Rs and theres a big void in the center. After doing alot of comparing side by side, I realized how bad the Axioms are and how over hyped they were.

I did comparisons with the Arx A1s and Axiom M2s, Arx A2 LCRs and Axiom M22s, and Arx A2 center and Axiom VP150. Boston A26 and Axiom M2s.

I used to own the whole axiom M80 system(minus sub) powered by an Earthquake Cinenova Grande. They were a little bright or harsh at reference. They just did not do it for me. I would take quite a few speakers over them. Don't let many woofers fool you as it looks cool. Some sound great and others are OK. I would look at SHO-10's or eD cinema speakers which perform better.

I don't find my Axioms to sound harsh...if anything they sound warm or muted... kinda laid back to me. They lack the detail, imaging or transparency to make a recording sound harsh or bright. I have always associated harshness along the lines of more brighter or forward sounding speakers and why auditioning in home is the best way to determine what you like.

Old Indian proverb: We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, but we borrow it from our children!

I don't find my Axioms to sound harsh...if anything they sound warm or muted... kinda laid back to me. They lack the detail, imaging or transparency to make a recording sound harsh or bright. I have always associated harshness along the lines of more brighter or forward sounding speakers and why auditioning in home is the best way to determine what you like.

Back in the day if a speaker was described as "bright" it was a good thing. It described a speaker that was true to the original recording, which is what you want. Today, people have twisted that definition into a negative meaning. I've owned many variations of different Axiom models from the Ti's to the current V3 models, and have never found them to be "bright" in a negative way, actually just the opposite to be true. As some have mentioned above, they are not overpriced for the performance you get, and are one of the best bang for the buck out there, not used to be, still are. Infinity Primus, lower end KEF's, and RTI's, hardly. People, if you want a close comparison go listen to some Paradigm Studio's or B&W 703's, that is a much closer representation of what your getting. Semp, in regards to your Onkyo, yes it would drive the 80's with no issues, but a lot depends on your listening habits and how loud. The 80's do dip below 4ohm slightly at a few frequency ranges, but in fact are more like a 6ohm speaker if you look at the entire freq range. Look at their hearing threads section and do an audition locally and let your ears make up your mind, not what some say on here.

___________"Don't worry about the future, it is already tomorrow in Australia..."

As some have mentioned above, they are not overpriced for the performance you get, and are one of the best bang for the buck out there, not used to be, still are. Infinity Primus, lower end KEF's, and RTI's, hardly.

I'm sure many would disagree with your assessment with the Primus 362(3) models.